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compare to, compare with

The verb compare can be followed by the prepositions to or with.

Compare to is used to express a likeness between two things.

  • The economy can be compared to a sluggish old horse.

Compare with means to put two things side by side to determine the differences and similarities. Compare with usually entails a more formal analysis.

  • Before you decide on where to go for your vacation, it may be relevant to compare Paris with Madrid.